Public Klondike Derby - Boy Scout Troop 55 (Loveland, Ohio)

Klondike Derby

About the Klondike Derby

Klondike History:

In 1869, approximately 100,000 prospectors headed into the Yukon region of Canada after gold was discovered. To reach their claims, prospectors used sleds and dogs to haul their gear. Although more than 100,000 people flocked to the area, only about 4,000 actually struck gold and while some became wealthy, most made the trip in vain. The Klondike Gold Rush only lasted for 3 years, around which time, gold was discovered in Nome, Alaska and many of the surviving prospectors fled the Yukon region to find their fortunes elsewhere.

Since 1949, BSA Scout troops have been running a "Klondike Derby" every winter in the spirit of the Yukon Gold Rush.

This is a PATROL-CENTRIC event and offers each patrol a chance to "show their stuff" for fun and friendly-competition.

The Sled

EACH PATROL participating in the Derby will need to come to camp with a Klondike Sled already built (or ready-to-go by 8 AM on Saturday). Building the sled will be a GREAT patrol-building event, and we recommend allowing a full Saturday morning or afternoon for construction. Cheap/used skis are usually available at used sporting goods stores and other outlets like Goodwill and Salvation Army stores. Internet sites like Craigslist may also be helpful, but please leave ALL internet communications to the adult leaders.

When it comes to Klondike Sleds, "lighter" is "better". The design offered here is RECOMMENDED, but as with all things "Scouting", there is great artistic freedom allowed. YOU WILL BE HAULING GEAR and at least 1 person inside your sled at some point throughout the day, so build/size it accordingly.

GEAR

In addition to the sled, EACH PATROL is to have the following gear in their sled at the start of the Derby:

PATROL GEAR:
1. FOOD (menu of their choosing) to make lunch for their entire patrol while on the trail. It must be a "one pot recipe" that requires cooking.
2. ONE pot for cooking lunch (pot is to have a handle that allows it to be HUNG over a fire) plus cooking utensils for food preparation & cleanup.
3. ONE pot or "personal mess" gear to warm 2 cups of hot water (one for every 2 scouts)
4. TWO 1 gallon jugs of water
5. FIVE 5' (5 foot) pieces of rope, suitable type of material that can be used for lashing
4. ONE 1' (1 foot) piece of "natural fiber" rope (manilla or sisal)
5. MATCHLESS method of starting a fire (flint, magnesium & flint, 9V battery & steel wool, etc)
6. 2 bricks (or similar size/shape rocks)
7. Patrol Flag
8. Patrol First Aid kit with bandages OR personal first aid kits for each member (see below)

INDIVIDUAL SCOUT GEAR:
All scouts be prepared, VERY COLD conditions.
6. Day Pack with typical gear(sun block, water,whistle, rope,

7. Pocket knife

8. Rain gear
9. Personal First Aid Kit (as listed in Scout Handbook)
10. Compass (with base plate)
11. Cup
12. Water bottle / canteen
13. Eating utensils (for lunch)
14. Scout Handbook

15. Boots-waterproof

16. Second pair of shoes/boot for after the race

17. Two pairs if gloves, save one for after the race

18. Minimally 4 pairs if socks

19. Warm sleeping clothes

20. Hat

21. Under Armor or similar